Cuba is full of surprises and as described in the Lonely Planet, is “timeworn but magnificent, dilapidated but dignified, such fun, but at times maddeningly frustrating”. By expecting the unexpected and embracing Cuba’s eclectic culture, musicality and colour you will soon discover a country of undefinable magic.
While Mexico will captivate you with its relaxed Latin lifestyle, its bright colours and Spanish colonial architecture, catchy music and tasty cuisine, Yummy!
Cuba
Our itinerary will cover Cuba's main highlights including Havana, , Trinidad de Cuba, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Playa Giron on the Bay of Pigs, Veradero and the beautiful Valle de Vinales. Our sightseeing excursions will involve walking, cruising the streets in classic cars, swimming, cycling opt.
Havana – Old Havana was established by the Spanish in the 16th Century and today, despite 60 years of withering neglect, it is intriguingly beautiful and totally captivating.
Santa Clara - Long associated with Che Guevara, whose liberating of Santa Clara in December 1958 marked the end of the Batista regime. Visit the impressive Che Guevara monument.
Trinidad de Cuba – A World Heritage site since 1988, Trinidad is a beautifully preserved colonial town, with cobbled-stone streets and terracotta roofs. In the Valle de los Ingenios, learn about the sugar mills and slave trade that were the basis of Trinidad’s prosperity and wealth during the 18th and 19th Centuries. Visit nearby Playa Ancon for an afternoon swim and head to the Plaza at night to enjoy the music and salsa dancing!
Cienfuegos – Established in 1819 by settlers of French origin, the city's prosperity was linked to the 19th-century sugar boom. Today, the old town remains a virtual museum of beautiful colonial buildings.
Playa Giron – Located on the Bay of Pigs, Playa Giron was one of the landing sites used by the Cuban exiles in 1961. Today it is known for its informative Museum of the Invasion and as a diving and snorkelling location.
Valle de Vinales – The heart of Cuba’s tobacco industry, with intriguing caves and steep-sided karst mounds called mojotes. An iconic Cuban landscape.
Varadero - A resort town on Cuba's Hicacos Peninsula, is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Mexico
We will begin our Mexican journey in Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city and the birthplace of tequila and mariachi music. From there, we travel southeast to stay in the illustrious silver mining city of Guanajuato, known for its stunning Baroque facades and underground tunnels, and the nearby town of San Miguel de Allende, often referred to as the prettiest town in Mexico. We will experience the Day of the Dead celebrations in both of these enchanting towns, before reaching Mexico City, the country's impressive capital, we will visit the massive Teotihuacan Pyramids, which date back to 300 BC.
To conclude our time in Mexico we will move on into the vastly different world of the Yucatan Peninsula, where we will stay in colonial Merida and on the coast at Tulum on the Mayan Riviera. The Yucatan is famous for the powder-white sand beaches of its Caribbean coast, its towering Mayan pyramids such as Chichen Itza, and crystal clear cenotes that are just perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.
Guadalajara - Our entry point into Mexico, the birthplace of Mariachi music and Tequila.
Guanajuato – A World Heritage Site, the old city is a living monument to its prosperous and turbulent silver mining past; for over two centuries 30% to 40% of the world's silver was mined in Guanajuato State. Delightfully colonial, Guanajuato has a maze of road tunnels beneath the town and its cobbled streets are lined by impressive buildings.
San Miquel de Allende – A traditional town, considered by many to be the most beautiful in Mexico. Famous for its 'Day of the dead' celebrations, when giant skeletons parade the streets.
Teotihuacan - Explore Mexico's largest ancient Aztec site, "The place where gods were created.
Mexico City - Mexico's vast capital city of 22 million people was founded by the Aztec in 1325. Today it has many wonderful museums, art galleries, and a vibrant culture.
Merida –One of Mexicos oldest cities, It's renowned for its bustling markets, where you can experience local life firsthand, and it's also close to natural wonders such as the Santa Barbara cenotes.
Tulum – Stay on the Riviera Maya, with white powder-sand, tepid water and palm trees literally at your doorstep, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing beach stay. Swim in the Caribbean and the nearby freshwater cenotes, cycle (opt.) Explore Coba ruins nestled in the forrest by bycicle by or cart.
Itinerary Outline - (subject to change)
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Day 1. Fly via Las Angelas to Guadalajara (Mexico) |
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Day 2. Guadalajara: Visit nearby Tequila, home of the national beverage, always fun place to visit on our first day in Mexico. |
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Day 3. Guanajuato: A morning drive to Guanajuato for the opening of the Day of the Dead Festivities. |
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Day 4. Guanajuato: Explore the town, take in the parade and festivities. Visit the tunnels and take the cable car at sunset for a stunning view of the city. |
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Day 5. San Miguel de Allende: A short drive after breakfast to San Miguel de Allende. Watch the closing parade of the Day of the Dead celebrations. |
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Day 6. San Miguel de Allende: Taste the local delicacies during a walking food tour as we discover what is often referred to as Mexico's most beautiful town. |
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Day 7 Mexico City: Visit the impressive Teotihuacan Pyramids enroute to Mexico City. |
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Day 8. Mexico City: Morning visit to the Museum of anthropology/ Palacio de Dellas Artes, followed by a walking tour of the Coyoacan district, including a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum. |
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Day 9. Merida: A morning exploring the sites of Zocolo, before taking a short afternoon flight to the Spanish Colonial town of Merida on the Yucatan Peninsula. |
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Day 10. Merida – A fun day exploring the Santa Barbara cenotes. |
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Day 11. Tulum: Visit the Mayan site of Chichen itza before arriving at Tulum beach. |
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Day 12. Tulum: A free day in beautiful Tulum, hire bikes, visit the nearby Tulum ruins, or just enjoy the gorgeous beach retreat. |
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Day 13. Tulum: A day trip to Coba ruins, where we explore this jungle site either by bicycle or pedicart. A refreshing dip in Choo ha cenote, and a visit to downtown Tulum before returning to our resort. |
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Day 14. Cancun: After breakfast drive to Cancun, free afternoon, ready for tomorrows early morning flight to Cuba. |
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Day 15. Havana: Morning flight to Havana Cuba. An afternoon guided walking tour to introduce you to this Historic City. |
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Day 16. A day to explore Havana, cruise the old town in classic cars. Enjoy a rooftop salsa lesson and perhaps an evening show. |
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Day 17. Havana: Bar hopping the famous spots of the prohibition days, including La Bodeguita del Medio, Sloppy Joes, and El Floridita. |
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Day 18. Vinales: Morning drive to the Valle of Vinales. An afternoon to visit the viewpoints and explore the Indio caves by boat. |
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Day 19. Vinales: A tour of a local tobacco farm for a firsthand look at the production of the famous cuban cigars. Later, visit to a cigar factory and enjoy a traditional cuban farm lunch. |
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Day 20. Cienfuegos – A morning drive to Cienfuegos on the South coast. Afternoon to explore the french colonial town, then ride the Malecon in bicitaxi's to our sunset cocktails at the local Yacht Club. |
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Day 21. Trinidad - After a morning visit the famous Cienfuegos Jardin botanical gardens, head to Santa Clara. Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum and a most fascinating colonial theatre, enjoy lunch in the plaza before proceeeding on to Trinidad. |
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Day 22. Trinidad - Morning guided walking tour of the historic city. An afternoon visit to beautiful nearby Playa Ancon. Enjoy an evening of Salsa music in the plaza. |
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Day 23. Trinidad- In the morning visit the historic colonial sugar plantations in the Valle of Ingenios. Spend the afternoon soaking in the charm of Trinidad's historic centre, or for those who wish, back to Playa Ancon for another soak in tropical waters. |
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Day 24. Varadero: Visit Playa Giron, location of the 1961 Bay of pigs invasion. After lunch continue on to Varadero on the North coast. |
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Day 25. Varadero – Free day to relax an enjoy the beach town. |
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Day 26 Havana: Relaxed morning before heading back to Havana. On the way we will visit 'Finca Vigia', once Hemmingways home, the house is kept exactly the way it was when Hemingway died. |
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Day 27. Cancun - Morning flight to Cancun. |
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Day 28. Houston - Afternoon flight to Houston. |
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Day 29. Auckand , Arrive home 6am, 27th November. |
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Transport: By private bus/vans, taxis or classic cars. There is one internal flight in Mexico to Yucatan.
Meals: In Cuba – All breakfasts are included, but not lunches or dinners. Restaurants are available and many casas offer excellent meals at reasonable prices. In Mexico – 7 breakfasts are included where our hotels provide it. For the remaining 7, there are plenty of local restaurants to choose from and markets where you can purchase supplies if you wish.
Accommodation: In Mexico we will stay in hotels. In Cuba we will stay in casa particulares , they feel like small botique hotels, are well run, all have private ensuites for their guests.
FACT FILE
Trip Code: CM24
Date: October 29th - 27th November 2024
Duration: 29 days
Party: 9 + Leader
Anticipated Price : $13,950.
Please note: The above price is based on today's flight quotes and exchange rates. Any changes in these rates will reflect in the final trip price, slightly increasing or decreasing, according to the rates at the time we purchase these services.
Current Status: Registrations Due, Deposit $500
Viability: A minimum 8 travellers are required for the trip to be viable. (Maximum of 10) If you wish to take part, please register by 31 July.
